Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM ET
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

Recent Performance

The Los Angeles Kings (25-13-5) are set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins (19-21-8) tonight at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings are coming off a loss to the Seattle Kraken over the weekend, a game that showcased their inability to attack a strong defensive system, something they’ve struggled with as of late. Adrian Kempe led the charge with a goal, while goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves on 21 shots in the loss. The Kings have now lost 3 of their last 4 games in this road trip, but now they come home for the first time since the postponement of the Flames game due to the wildfires on January 8th.

 

The Penguins, on the other hand, are struggling to find consistency. They dropped a 4-1 decision to the Washington Capitals in their last outing, marking their 4th loss in 5 games and only 2 wins in their last 10 games. Sidney Crosby picked up an assist on the Bryan Rust goal in that game, but the team’s defensive struggles and penalty-kill issues were exposed once again. Pittsburgh has allowed 20 goals in their last five games, a trend they’ll need to reverse to compete against the Kings tonight.

 

In addition, news broke earlier today that Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas publicly addressed the team’s recent struggles, hinting at the possibility of a “firesale” if the team doesn’t turn their season around soon. Dubas emphasized the need for accountability and hinted that significant roster changes could be on the horizon if their performance doesn’t improve. This announcement adds extra weight to tonight’s game as Pittsburgh looks to make a statement.

Team Records and Trends

Los Angeles Kings:

• Overall Record: 25-13-5
• Home Record: 14-2-1
• Power Play: 16% (29th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 83.2% (5th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 6-4-0

 

Pittsburgh Penguins:

• Overall Record: 19-21-8
• Road Record: 7-11-5
• Power Play: 26.6% (5th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 79.1% (14th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 2-5-3

Key Players to Watch

Los Angeles Kings:

• Anze Kopitar: The veteran center is tied for lead in points for the Kings with 42 (12 goals, 30 assists) this season and remains a key contributor in all facets of the game.
• Adrian Kempe: With 22 goals and 20 assists, Kempe is tied for this lead in point as well. He has been red-hot lately, notching 7 points in 7 games so far in 2025..

Pittsburgh Penguins:

• Sidney Crosby: The Penguins captain is having another stellar season with 49 points (12 goals, 37 assists). His leadership and clutch performances remain invaluable.
• Bryan Rust: Rust has tallied 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) and continues to be one of Pittsburgh’s most consistent offensive threats. He has 3 goals and an assist in his last 3 games.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Kings:

• Alex Laferrierre: Upper Body Injury – Out
• Drew Doughty: Injured Reserve

Pittsburgh Penguins:

• Rickard Rackell: Family Matter – Out

Goaltending

Los Angeles Kings:

• David Rittich: Confirmed to start tonight, Rittich has been reliable when called upon with a 11-9-0 record, a 2.52 GAA, and a .887 save percentage.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

• Alex Nedeljkovic: Confirmed to start, Nedeljkovic has been solid in limited action this season with a 8-7-0 record, a 3.33 GAA, and a .890 save percentage. He also just set a record for the first NHL goalie to score a goal and assist in a game.

Game Outlook

Both teams come into this matchup with contrasting recent performances. The Kings will look to maintain their recent success by utilizing their depth scoring and capitalizing on their power play, which ranks among the best in the league. The Penguins, meanwhile, will rely on their veteran leadership and aim to improve their road record. Special teams could play a decisive role tonight, with both teams boasting effective power-play and penalty-kill units. Expect a competitive contest as both teams strive to secure crucial points.

 

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-BetOnBanana